Boskovic signs new deal with D.C. United

With the way Branko Boskovic had been playing recently, it is no surprise that D.C. United found a way to keep its Montengrin playmaker with his contract due to expire in a couple of weeks.

Boskovic will be remaining with D.C. United, signing a new deal with the club, the terms of which were not disclosed. Boskovic, originally signed as a Designated Player in July, 2010, is no longer a DP though, according to a D.C. United release, leaving Hamdi Salihi as the club's only DP. Dwayne De Rosario has the highest salary on the team, but it is being bought down with allocation money, so he does not count as a DP on the club's roster.

The 32-year-old Boskovic, who tore his ACL last year in a U.S. Open Cup game against the New England Revolution, has come on strong in recent weeks. He had a stretch of three straight matches with assists prior to Sunday's loss to New York, a game he entered in the second half and help turn the tables with his calm, effective play in the midfield.

"Branko was very professional throughout this whole process," D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper said in a statement. "It never affected his play. This is a win-win for everybody. He is an important part of our team and we are thrilled that this is now finished and we can move forward."

This is good news for DC and the league. Boskovic is a very good player and exactly what you’d look for in a DP. Great field presence and decision-making, and low on drama (as far as I can tell, at least). Especially for a DC team that has had a few busts come in as DPs…

Boskovic has yet to play a single solid complete MLS game. He shows tons of flashes off the bench, but has never looked particularly good in a first team game he started. If he can play 90 (or even 70) minutes like he does the 20-30 as a sub he could be a great player in MLS.

Glad to keep Boscovic. He’s a class player, seems like an even-keeled guy and a great teammate. He’s been showing flashes of starting to feel the whole DCU attack and run it. I can’t wait to see him at 100% the second half of this season.